Covid-19 volunteers demand permanent employment

Late last week, a group of around 40 Covid-19 volunteers took to Independence Avenue in Windhoek to protest the health ministry’s alleged ‘unfulfilled promises’ of permanent employment. These volunteers were among approximately 800 individuals recruited during the height of the pandemic and stationed nationwide to assist in critical roles.

Group spokesperson Stephanus Thomas said the ministry initially stationed them at various front-line locations, including mortuaries and intensive care units, “often without proper training”.

“We were promised recruitment into permanent positions once the pandemic was under control. However, while some have been recruited, many are still waiting, and their hopes have not materialised.”

He emphasised the urgency of their appeal to the ministry and the Office of the Prime Minister. “We believe our concerns deserve the same attention given to other groups, such as the veteran children [of the liberation struggle] recruited into various ministries. As Covid-19 volunteers, we served with dignity and integrity, and we seek to be recruited into different parts of the health ministry as promised.”

Thomas presented a petition to executive director Ben Nangombe, who assured the volunteers that he would ensure it reaches the relevant parties, including health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula.